MANILA, Philippines — Religious gatherings are also mass gatherings, an official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Tuesday, in response to a Catholic bishop’s criticism of the government’s decision to close down churches during the Holy Week. 104 prohibited public gatherings, mass gatherings, and going to church, hearing Mass, is considered a mass gathering,” DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said in an online media forum hosted by the Department of Health. Castelo said the government respects the opinion of churches but appealed that religious rites for the observance of the Holy Week be practiced at home instead. ADVERTISEMENT“So as a religious organization, I think that they will also support this move kasi it’s for the general welfare. RELATED STORIES:Gyms, spas allowed at limited capacity in GCQ bubble — PalaceFAQs: What’s a GCQ bubble?

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 23, 2021 05:41 UTC